Page 64 of Second Duke's the Charm

He cupped her face and smoothed his thumb over her cheekbone. “I’m sure you’ve had far more agreeable lovers since, but I must admit to being rather competitive. I like to be good at whatever I do.”

Butterflies seemed to have taken up residency in her stomach, but she managed to send him a teasing smile. “I have a request. Well, more of a suggestion, really. How do you feel about playing a little game?”

His brows rose, but whether it was in interest, or suspicion, she couldn’t tell.

“What kind of game?”

“A make-believe game. Like a play, almost.”

His thumb was still stroking her jaw, his palm warming her cheek, and she had to force herself to concentrate.

“Since I’d rather forget my first wedding ever happened, what if we… pretend thatthisis my first wedding night?”

“Pretend you’re a virgin, you mean?”

She nodded, breathless with worry that he’d say no.

He frowned. “Have you done this with your other lovers? Because I can’t say I’ve ever cared overmuch about being the first. I’d much rather be thebest.” His gaze held hers. “But if that’s what you want, then I’ll play along.”

Tess almost sagged with relief. It was clear from his expression that he thought this some bizarre kind of seduction technique, but at least he hadn’t said no outright.

He didn’t believe she was a virgin for one minute, but the fact that he was willing to suspend his disbelief and accommodate her request made her respect him even more.

His mouth curved up. “So, what exactly does this fantasy entail?”

“Let’s pretend that I have no idea what to do. That my education has been sadly limited to that single, naughty print I bought the other night.”

“A shameful omission,” he said with mock solemnity. “Your mother should have prepared you for the duties of matrimony.”

“My mother died when I was a child,” Tess said, with perfect honesty. “My governess blushed at the wordcopulation, and none of my close friends are married.”

His brow cleared. “Makes sense.”

She almost laughed at his need for logic, even when he was sure they were deep in the realm of fantasy.

“Which means you have to tell me exactly what you’re doing,” she continued, “so I don’t get nervous.”

“Very well.”

“And… you have to say what you wantmeto do… to you.”

“Understood.” Heat, and a faint amusement filled his eyes. “In that case, allow me to inform you—suitably in advance—that I’m going to kiss you.”

His thumb stroked the corner of her lip, and hot and cold shivers chased over her skin. He bent until she could feel his tickly warm exhale.

“This freckle is the most provocative thing I’ve ever seen. It just sits there, begging to be kissed.”

Tess smiled. “You know, historically, the placement of a lady’s patch just there was calledla coquette.”

“The tease,” he translated. “Very apt.”

He kissed it, and she sucked in a shaky breath. He pressed a line of soft kisses up her cheekbone until he reached the freckle at the outer corner of her eye.

“And this one?”

“That one’sla passionée, I think. The passionate one.” Tess could hardly think. She was almost shivering with nerves and excitement.

“Interesting. Now, brace yourself, because I’m going to kiss you again. Most ardently.”